Analysis of environmental and accident risks in deep foundation static load tests

Abstract

This work constitutes a case study on the environmental and accident risks of a Static Load Test (PCE) test carried out on a foundation pile of a civil construction work in Goiânia in the year 2020. The general objective was to carry out the survey of potential environmental and accident risks in the execution of the test stages and propose mitigating measures. The methodology has a qualitative approach with an experimental procedure, and for the work of the case study, after a bibliographical review, inspection and on-site monitoring, three stages of services were defined, namely: assembly of the reaction system, locking of the reaction, and execution of the test with application of loads. Three techniques were applied that allowed classifying and analyzing the risks, among them: Preliminary Risk Analysis (APR), technique structures "what if?" (WI) and Hazard Rating Number (HRN) technique. The APR technique is able to make a general description of all the risks, while the WI is better at describing the most relevant risks, while the HRN is able to quantify all the risks raised through indices. The most relevant risks were arising from cargo handling, services at heights and system disruption. The main mitigating measures are to remove workers from the system during the test; in cargo handling services, ensuring equipment maintenance and operator training; employee training for cargo handling and work at height; and ensure lifeline, supply of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and safe work platforms. Risk analysis using the three methods highlighted the critical points in the development of the test and proposed improvements to make the PCE test safer for workers.